Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck: What You Need to Know

Liposuction and a tummy tuck are completely different surgical procedures that both aim to alter the appearance of the midsection. Both procedures can make your stomach appear smaller, tighter and flatter. They are both administered by plastic surgeons and are considered “cosmetic procedures.

CANDIDATES

Liposuction and tummy tucks often entice individuals with similar cosmetic goals. But there are some crucial differences between the two procedures.

Liposuction

Liposuction may be a great solution if you’re looking to get rid of small fat deposits which are often found on the buttocks, thighs, hips or stomach area. Liposuction eliminates fat deposits from the targeted area and improves contour and minimises bulges. However, liposuction isn’t recommended as a weight loss tool. You shouldn’t get liposuction if you’re obese.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck removes excess fat as well as excess skin. A tummy tuck is utilised to restore a contoured and flat midsection. If the muscles have been separated or stretched due to pregnancy, a tummy tuck will bring these muscles back together.

You may want to reconsider a tummy tuck if:

you’re considering getting pregnant in the future

you’re actively trying to lose weight

your BMI is more than 30

you have a chronic heart condition

PROCEDURE

Both procedures are both administered by a plastic surgeon and require anaesthesia and incisions.

Liposuction

You may be intravenously sedated for the liposuction procedure. In some cases, your surgeon will apply a local anaesthetic to the midsection. As soon as the area is completely numb, your surgeon will create tiny incisions around the targeted areas of your fat deposits. A cannula will be moved underneath the skin to loosen up the fat cells, and your surgeon will use a medical suction to dislodge fat deposits.

Tummy Tuck

Your surgeon will use general anaesthesia. As soon as you’re under sedation, your surgeon will make an incision deep under the skin that sits on your abdominal wall. Once the muscles are visible, your plastic surgeon will sew them into your abdominal wall if they have become stretched out. The skin will be pulled tight over the abdomen, excess skin will be trimmed off, and sutures will be used to close the incision. A tummy tuck is done in one procedure, and surgery generally takes two to three hours to complete.

RESULTS

Both liposuction and tummy tucks claim to achieve permanent results, weight gain after both procedures can significantly change this outcome.

Liposuction

Liposuction patients often see a more proportioned and flatter midsection once they fully recover from surgery. These results are supposed to be permanent; however, fat deposits can reappear in time. If you put on weight, the fat deposits will reaccumulate, though not necessarily in the areas that were suctioned through liposuction.

Tummy Tuck

After a tummy tuck at Waverley House clinic in Adelaide, administered by expert plastic surgeon Dr Rodney Cooper or other reputable surgeons who specialise in tummy tucks the results are considered permanent. The abdominal wall will be stronger and more stable. The excess skin that was removed in surgery won’t return unless a subsequent pregnancy or fluctuation in weight stretches out the skin again.

RECOVERY

Liposuction

The recovery process after liposuction greatly depends on whether more sessions are needed and how many areas were operated on.

After the procedure, you may experience:

Swelling at the site of your fat removal

Bleeding and draining at the incision site

Your surgeon may recommend that you wear a compression garment to help minimise swelling and to help your skin heal nicely over your new shape.

Liposuction is an outpatient surgical procedure; thus, regular activity can be resumed relatively quickly. You should be able to return to normal activities within 48 hours.

Tummy Tuck

Your incision will be covered in surgical dressing, which has to be changed several times.

Your surgeon will fit you with a compression garment.

You most likely will be taking prescription antibiotics and pain relievers to help ease any discomfort or pain and decrease your risk of infection.

If you have surgical drains, they need to be removed in two weeks time.

The initial recovery period takes about six weeks, and you’ll need to go to several follow-up appointments with your surgeon so he/she can check how your incision is healing.

You should also avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity until you get your surgeon’s approval.